The dangers of using student test scores to evaluate teachers

Published on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Looking for the facts about the use of student test scores to evaluate teachers? FairTest has a new page in the K-12 section of its website, which focuses on the misuse of tests in evaluating educators. It also addresses using this information to pay, promote or fire school teachers and administrators. "Value added measurement" or VAM and "growth models" are critiqued.

“Student Test Scores: An Inaccurate Way to Judge Teachers” details many of the key arguments and provides an annotated bibliography. The webpage features other short articles and fact sheets.

The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) advances quality education and equal opportunity by promoting fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial evaluations of students, teachers and schools. FairTest also works to end the misuse and flaws of testing practices that impede those goals. Learn more about FairTest at FairTest.org.